Q: What is gram flour made from?

A: Gram flour is made by grinding dried chickpeas, typically split Bengal gram or chana dal.

Q: Is gram flour gluten-free?

A: Yes — gram flour is naturally gluten-free and high in protein.

Q: Can I use it for baking?

A: Yes — it works in savory baking, flatbreads, and even some cakes when balanced with other flours.

Q: Can I make besan chilla without onion or tomato?

A: Absolutely — it's very adaptable. You can use spinach, grated carrot, or skip veg entirely.

Q: What does besan taste like?

A: It has a nutty, earthy flavor that intensifies when toasted or cooked.

Q: Can I store leftover chillas?

A: They’re best fresh, but you can refrigerate and reheat in a pan.

Q: What’s a good dip for gram flour pancakes?

A: Try mint chutney, yogurt, or even hummus for a fusion twist.

Q: Is gram flour the same as chickpea flour?

A: Yes and no — in most recipes they are interchangeable, but true chickpea flour (from whole garbanzo beans) can be slightly coarser.

Q: Can I make the batter in advance?

A: Yes, but don’t store it more than 24 hours, as gram flour can ferment.

Q: How do I make it crispier?

A: Use a hot pan, minimal batter spread, and a little extra oil.

Salte kikerterpannekaker (besan chilla) med urter og krydder

Savoury Chickpea Pancakes (Besan Chilla) with Herbs and Spices

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

Indian

Servings

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Calories

180

Gram flour, also known as besan or chickpea flour, is a staple in Indian kitchens and a powerhouse ingredient in gluten-free and plant-based cooking. One of the most beloved and easy recipes using gram flour is besan chilla — a savoury, spiced pancake that’s quick to whip up and endlessly versatile.

Whether you’re making it for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, these pancakes deliver a satisfying crunch on the outside with a soft, flavourful interior thanks to chopped onions, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and warming spices.

This gram flour recipe is not only affordable and fast, but it's naturally high in protein and fibre, making it a smart and balanced choice for any meal. You can customise it by adding grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini, or serve it alongside yogurt, chutney, or salad. It's also a brilliant base for those avoiding gluten or looking to reduce refined flours in their diet.

With just one bowl and one pan, this is the kind of easy, wholesome cooking that nourishes without fuss — ideal for busy mornings or lazy evenings alike.

Image of Savoury Chickpea Pancakes (Besan Chilla) with Herbs and Spices

Ingredients

1 cup gram flour (also known as besan or chickpea flour)
1/2 cup water (plus more as needed)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small tomato, finely chopped
1 green chilli, minced (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds or ground cumin
Salt to taste
Oil or ghee for cooking

Directions

In a mixing bowl, whisk gram flour with water until you have a smooth batter without lumps. Adjust the consistency to a pourable pancake batter.
Add chopped onion, tomato, chilli, cilantro, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Mix well. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with oil.
Pour a ladle of batter into the skillet and spread gently into a thin circle.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until the edges lift and the bottom is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes.
Repeat with remaining batter, greasing the pan as needed.
Serve warm with chutney, yogurt, or a simple salad.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
per serving: Calories; 180

Amount/Serving % Daily Value

Fat: 7 grams; 9%
Saturated Fat: 1 grams; 5%
Cholesterol: 0 milligrams; 0%
Sodium: 280 milligrams; 12%
Carbs: 20 grams; 7%
Protein: 7 grams
Sugar: 3 grams
Fiber: 4 grams; 14%

Tips for matlaging med grammel

Sikt alltid gram mel for å unngå klumper.
La røren hvile i 10 minutter - det forbedrer tekstur.
Bruk ikke-pinne eller godt krydret panner for å forhindre stikk.
Tilsett hakket spinat eller revet gulrøtter for ekstra ernæring.
Ikke overfylte pannen - kok en pannekake om gangen.
Hold røren litt tykk for tykkere pannekaker.
Tilsett grønne chilier eller chili -flak for varme.
Oppbevar resterende batter i kjøleskapet i 1 dag maks.
Server varm - de er best ferske av pannen.
Par med myntchutney, tamarindsaus eller vanlig yoghurt.

Server det med forslag

Fersk mynte eller koriander chutney
Vanlig yoghurt eller raita
Mango eller kalk sylteagurk
Skiver avokado med limesaft
Hakket salat av agurk, løk og tomat
Chai te eller masala te
Paneer Bhurji (Indian-stil kryptert Paneer)
Linsesuppe eller dal
Fersk kokosnøtt chutney
Lett sauterte greener

Vanlige spørsmål

Spørsmål: Hva er grammel laget av?
EN: Grammel lages ved å slipe tørket kikerter, typisk delt bengalgram eller chana dal.

Spørsmål: Er gram mel glutenfritt?
EN: Ja-grammel er naturlig glutenfritt og høyt i protein.

Spørsmål: Kan jeg bruke den til baking?
EN: Ja - det fungerer i velsmakende bakervarer, flatbrød og til og med noen kaker når de er balansert med andre mel.

Spørsmål: Kan jeg lage besan chilla uten løk eller tomat?
EN: Absolutt - det er veldig tilpasningsdyktig. Du kan bruke spinat, revet gulrot eller hoppe over veg helt.

Spørsmål: Hvordan smaker Besan?
EN: Den har en nøtteaktig, jordnær smak som intensiveres når den er ristet eller tilberedt.

Spørsmål: Kan jeg lagre rester av chillaer?
EN: De er best ferske, men du kan kjøle opp og varme opp i en panne.

Spørsmål: Hva er en god dukkert for gram melpannekaker?
EN: Prøv myntchutney, yoghurt eller til og med hummus for en fusjonsvrid.

Spørsmål: Er grammel det samme som kikertermel?
EN: Ja og nei - i de fleste oppskrifter er de utskiftbare, men ekte kikertermel (fra hele Garbanzo -bønner) kan være litt grovere.

Spørsmål: Kan jeg lage røren på forhånd?
EN: Ja, men ikke lagre det mer enn 24 timer, da grammel kan gjære.

Spørsmål: Hvordan gjør jeg det sprøere?
EN: Bruk en varm panne, minimal rørspredning og litt ekstra olje.

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Salte kikerterpannekaker (besan chilla) med urter og krydder

Savoury Chickpea Pancakes (Besan Chilla) with Herbs and Spices

Category

Cuisine

Servings

Prep Time

Cook Time

Calories

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition

Nutrition

Upgrade Your Kitchen Tools

Tips for matlaging med grammel

Server det med forslag

Vanlige spørsmål

Chef's Recommendation

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Savoury Chickpea Pancakes (Besan Chilla) with Herbs and Spices

Category

Cuisine

Servings

Prep Time

Cook Time

Calories

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition

Nutrition

Upgrade Your Kitchen Tools

Tips for matlaging med grammel

Server det med forslag

Vanlige spørsmål

Chef's Recommendation

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